Editing Daedalus

{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}

'''''Daedalus''''' is a [[battlestar (TOS-RH)|battlestar]] serving in [[The Fleet (TOS)|the Fleet]] following the exodus from the [[Twelve Colonies of Man (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]]. The battlestar operates alongside ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]'' and, when reunited, ''[[Pegasus (TOS-RH)|Pegasus]]'' as one of the fleet's primary military vessels.

== Command and Operations ==

''Daedalus'' is commanded by Captain [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]], who assumes command of the vessel after [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]] entrusts her with the responsibility during critical fleet operations.<ref name="STG202">{{cite book/RH|3|202}}</ref> Apollo's decision to place Athena in command represents a significant demonstration of his respect for her abilities as both a warrior and leader.<ref name="STG202" />

Prior to major engagements, Athena operates from ''Daedalus''{{'|s}} bridge, coordinating with Apollo on ''Galactica'' and maintaining open communication channels between the battlestars. The ship serves as a critical component of the fleet's defense structure, with Athena organizing Viper patrols and managing the ship's combat operations.<ref name="STG27">{{cite book/RH|4|27}}</ref>

== Combat Engagements ==

=== Battle in the Ur Cloud ===

During the fleet's passage through the mysterious Ur cloud, ''Daedalus'' participates in a desperate defense against a massive Cylon assault. When hundreds of Cylon fighters descend upon the weakened fleet, Vipers launch from both ''Galactica'' and ''Daedalus'' in what Apollo considers might be their final battle.<ref name="STG250">{{cite book/RH|4|250}}</ref>

The engagement proves particularly challenging due to the fleet's weakened state and critical fuel shortages that affect both battlestars. Despite these limitations, the pilots from ''Daedalus'' join their ''Galactica'' counterparts in forming a defensive line against the overwhelming Cylon forces.<ref name="STG250" />

=== Defense of Kobol ===

During operations near [[Kobol (TOS)|Kobol]], ''Daedalus'' plays a crucial role in protecting civilian ships attempting to escape through a planetary fissure. Under Athena's command, the battlestar maintains a defensive formation while approximately one-third of the civilian fleet remains vulnerable in the fissure.<ref name="STG211">{{cite book/RH|3|211}}</ref>

When Cylon basestars approach from multiple directions, Athena orders ''Daedalus'' to tighten formation and face the approaching threats directly. Throughout this engagement, she maintains constant communication with Apollo, coordinating the fleet's defensive strategy despite overwhelming odds.<ref name="STG211" />

== Operational Challenges ==

''Daedalus'' faces significant resource challenges during the fleet's journey. Fuel shortages become particularly critical during operations in the Ur cloud, with reserves depleted to dangerous levels. These shortages affect Viper operations launched from the battlestar, limiting patrol range and combat effectiveness.<ref name="STG26">{{cite book/RH|4|26}}</ref>

A tragic incident occurs when a barge carrying refugees from ''Hestia'' runs out of fuel while in transit to ''[[Rising Star (TOS-RH)|Rising Star]]''. Although the barge had launched from ''Daedalus'' fully fueled according to manifests, it mysteriously depletes its fuel reserves, resulting in the loss of over two hundred lives. Athena takes personal responsibility for the incident, though the cause remains under investigation.<ref name="STG45">{{cite book/RH|4|45}}</ref>

== Fleet Integration ==

Following the fleet's reunion with ''Pegasus'' and the discovery of [[Paradis]], ''Daedalus'' participates in the massive reconstruction effort. The battlestar, along with ''Galactica'', undergoes modifications to accommodate additional civilian quarters as the fleet prepares for its continued journey.<ref name="STG239">{{cite book/RH|5|239}}</ref>

Commander [[Cain (TOS-RH)|Cain]] acknowledges ''Daedalus'' as one of three battlestars capable of standing against Cylon basestars, expressing pride in the collective strength of ''Pegasus'', ''Galactica'', and ''Daedalus'' despite the overwhelming odds they face.<ref name="STG202" />

== Legacy ==

''Daedalus'' serves as a symbol of the Colonial fleet's resilience and the new generation of leadership emerging after [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Commander Adama's]] death. Under Athena's command, the battlestar demonstrates that the fleet's military strength extends beyond the legendary ''Galactica'', providing crucial defensive capabilities during humanity's exodus toward [[Earth (TOS-RH)|Earth]].

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Battlestars (TOS-RH)]]
[[Category:Military Vessels (TOS-RH)]]
[[Category:Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)]]
[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]